Mental practice and imagery: a potential role in stroke rehabilitation

AbstractThe purpose of this review was to investigate the potential for the use of mental practice and mental imagery for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Studies from the disciplines of kinesiology, nursing, neurophysiology and psychology support the use of mental practice and imagery in the post-stroke population. A model is included to demonstrate how mental practice and imagery can work through motivation, cognition and neural reorganization to facilitate motor relearning and functional independence. Recent evidence using modern brain-imaging techniques suggest that motor planning during both imagined and actual movements use very similar brain centres. Influencing factors such as incorrect imaging, concentration time, approach used, and method of instructions are discussed. A guideline for the use of mental practice is included in the discussion.

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